9 out of 10 small businesses use AI tools – survey
New research from the Small Firms Association (SFA), shows that 9 out of 10 small firms are using artificial intelligence (AI) for one or more business processes.
The most popular uses for AI were reported to be automation of simple tasks and data analytics reporting.
The study found that the main barrier to deeper adoption of AI, is the lack of technical expertise followed by time pressures and a lack of a clear business strategy.
According to the research, sentiment around adopting AI tools is broadly positive, particularly amongst providers of financial and professional services.
Over two thirds of businesses said that they are either enthusiastic or curious about using AI tools.
Three quarters of respondents said they have either started or are planning to investigate business use cases for AI.
The retail sector respondents had the highest proportion of those that have not started or have no plans to use AI.
“While the survey shows that small businesses are interested and curious about it, AI adoption remains shallow among small firms as it is mostly confined to content generation and simple data analysis, rather than innovation, product development, or decision-making,” said David Broderick, Director of the Small Firms Association.
“Therefore, many businesses have not yet explored its full potential.”
“Government should work with business to leverage an unlocked National Training Fund (NTF) to fund investment up/re-skilling programmes in digital and AI,” Mr Broderick said.
“The government also must ensure that Digital for Business and the Grow Digital Voucher supports further digital and AI adoption and increase private sector access to innovation supports, particularly the R&D tax credit,” he added.
The nationwide survey of 357 businesses was conducted by Amárach Research.
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